A new Teachers Wellness and Engagement Survey (TWES) report, by Knightwise Human Capital, has highlighted severe financial distress among teachers, with findings showing a widespread inability to meet basic monthly needs and rising levels of debt, raising concerns about poverty within the profession.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, presided over the launch of the Teacher Wellness and Engagement Research Report at Radisson Blu, Upperhill, on 26 May 2026, terming it timely and critical to education reforms.
He commended the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) leadership led by Secretary General Collins Oyuu for conducting the survey in collaboration with Knightwise Human Capital, noting that the findings align with ongoing education sector reforms.
“This is a most timely and insightful survey, especially now 3 that we are working to ensure that our entire education system is optimal and as efficient and effective as it should be,” CS Ogamba said.
According to the TWES report, single teachers were found to be more financially vulnerable than married teachers, with a financial wellness score of 13 percent, lower than the 19 percent recorded among married teachers.
“Single teachers are more vulnerable compared to married teachers,” the TWES report highlighted.
The report findings also showed a clear gap based on the location of work, as urban teachers reported lower financial wellness at 15 percent compared to 18 percent among rural teachers.
Linking the urban strain to the higher cost of living in towns and cities, the reports’ regional analysis indicated that teachers in Nyanza and Central/Nairobi were among the most financially strained.
“Urban teachers report lower financial wellness than rural teachers, likely due to a higher cost of living. Teachers in Nyanza and Central/ Nairobi are the most financially strained regions,” the report read in part.
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TWES Report Reaveals 97% of Teachers Trapped in Poverty
The TWES report has revealed deep financial challenges facing teachers across the country, with the Financial Wellness Index standing at 18 percent, a level classified as a critical crisis.
According to the report, 97 percent of teachers reported having no money left at the end of the month, indicating that most are living from pay to pay.
The survey further found that 92 percent of teachers are financially vulnerable to unexpected expenses, highlighting the absence of emergency savings or financial safety nets among most respondents.
Debt also emerged as a major concern, with 88 percent of teachers stating they are unable to pay off their debts while still maintaining their living standards.
Also Read: How Teachers Can Claim Terminal Benefits After Resignation or Dismissal in Kenya
Additionally, the TWES report noted that teachers’ retirement preparedness is virtually nonexistent, highlighting severe gaps in long-term financial planning and savings.
CS Ogamba Outlines Teacher Reforms, Funding Boost, and Call for Stakeholder Collaboration
Ogamba highlighted reforms already undertaken by the government, including the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over three years and the promotion of 21,383 teachers to improve staffing and reduce workload pressures.
He further noted that KSh 950 million has been allocated for teacher retooling under Competency-Based Education, alongside continued professional development and improved working conditions through the Teachers Service Commission.
The CS emphasized that teacher wellness directly affects education outcomes, stating that a thriving teacher population financially, mentally, and physically translates into better learner performance.
He also called for stronger collaboration between teachers, parents, and communities, warning that a lack of parental support can affect teacher motivation and student discipline.
Ogamba assured stakeholders that the government will review the report’s findings and integrate key recommendations into future education policy and reforms.
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